New Norway zero-emissions rules 'are a victory for those who didn't invest in greener future'
Everything you read in the trade papers these days suggests our industry can and should be a force for good, operating in the most sustainable way possible and preserving the places we visit.
I therefore find it heart-wrenching to hear Norway’s government give in to pressure from cruise lines and other tourism related organisations and delay legislation designed to encourage a greener industry.
A colleague called it a scandal, and I agree.
Back in 2018, legislation was passed stating that from 2026 cruise ships would be required to sail with zero emissions if they wished to enter Norway’s Unesco Heritage fjords.
Last week, it was announced the requirements will only apply to vessels under 10,000 gross tons, and that cruise ships won’t need to comply until 2032. It was also announced that ships using biogas would be considered to have zero emissions.
As Havila Voyages chief executive Bent Martini rightly said: “It is victory for those who have not dared to invest in a greener future.”
The legislation was changed following opposition from many organisations who claimed that it is impossible to sail the World Heritage sites emission-free with larger vessels right now.
Is the technology to operate emission free currently available? Yes, it absolutely is.
We have invested half a billion Norwegian Krone in our coastal route ships, which are nearly 16,000 gross tons, to reduce our emissions beyond requirement and to be able to sail the vulnerable areas along the Norwegian coast emission-free.
Since 2022, we have been sailing on battery power into the Geirangerfjord – completely emission-free and silently. I know it is not easy, but I don’t buy that this is as difficult as many of our competitors make out.
Too many of the businesses who opposed these new requirements regularly flaunt their sustainability and environmental credentials and put themselves up for awards with confusing claims that I believe wouldn’t stand up to closer scrutiny.
As a business with a genuine desire to operate as sustainably as possible, this is incredibly frustrating.
This latest decision by the Norwegian government could, at worst, delay the development of projects like hydrogen production along the coast, as there will be no need for it until far into the future.
We believe this is the most viable option to creating a sustainable shipping programme on the coastal route.
The new legislation will instead encourage the use of carbon neutral biogas, which is a big step in the right direction, but we cannot claim zero emissions if we focus on vessels powered by biogas.
Havila Voyages will continue to sail into Geirangerfjord and other areas like Hjorundfjord and Trollfjord on battery power, emission-free and we will continue to invest heavily in next generation technology.
The Unesco protected fjords are protected for a reason and we must ensure they are here to be enjoyed for generations to come.
I hope that those who have worked against the 2026 decision come to their senses and that we don’t have any further setbacks before the 2032 deadline.
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Matthew Valentine
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